Long popular in the New England area, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has been quite consistent ever since its formation in Sept. 1971 by cornetist Tony Pringle. The leader, whose style is based on Bunk Johnson, Kid Howard and (to a lesser extent) Kid Thomas Valentine, sets the sound for the group and gives it a primitive oldtime feel. At the time of the New Black Eagle's debut recording in 1972 (for GHB), the personnel also included trombonist Stan Vincent, clarinetist Stan McDonald, pianist Bob Pilsbury, banjoist Pete Bullis, Eli Newberger on tuba and drummer Pam Pameijer. Through the years the group (also known simply as the Black Eagle Jazz Band) has managed to keep largely the same personnel. Only the clarinet spot (which has been occupied by McDonald, Rudi Ballieu, Brian Oglivie, Hugh Blackwell and for quite awhile by Billy Novick) has undergone some turnover. The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, who have appeared at many classic jazz festivals, regularly in the New England area and on several European tours, has recorded extensively for their own Black Eagle label plus GHB, Dirty Shame, Fat Cat Jazz, Philips, Philo and Stomp Off. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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